Description
Authentic Quenstedtoceras paucicosta Fossil Ammonite
This listing presents a rare and genuine Quenstedtoceras paucicosta fossil ammonite from the Upper Callovian Stage of the Jurassic Period, discovered near Weymouth, Dorset, United Kingdom. Dating back around 164–161 million years, this specimen is an extraordinary relic of Britain’s Jurassic heritage, originating from a time when southern England was submerged beneath shallow epicontinental seas. The fossil shown in the photographs is the exact specimen you will receive, carefully selected for its preservation and quality. Each ammonite comes with a Certificate of Authenticity, guaranteeing it as a 100% genuine specimen.
Geological Context
The Callovian Stage is part of the Middle to Upper Jurassic and is a vital interval for palaeontological and stratigraphic study. In southern England, Weymouth’s exposures are celebrated for their diversity of well-preserved ammonites, bivalves, and marine vertebrates, forming part of the broader Jurassic Coast UNESCO World Heritage Site. During this time, fine-grained mudstones and clays were deposited in warm, low-energy marine environments, creating excellent conditions for the preservation of delicate shells and marine organisms.
Ammonites such as Quenstedtoceras paucicosta are critical in stratigraphy, as they are highly useful index fossils for correlating layers of rock across Europe. Their presence provides a reliable means of dating sedimentary sequences and understanding changes in marine ecosystems of the Jurassic seas.
Scientific Classification
- Genus: Quenstedtoceras
- Species: Quenstedtoceras paucicosta
- Family: Cardioceratidae
- Superfamily: Stephanoceratoidea
- Order: Ammonitida
- Class: Cephalopoda
- Age: Upper Callovian, Jurassic (~164–161 million years ago)
- Locality: Weymouth, Dorset, United Kingdom
Morphological Features
Quenstedtoceras paucicosta is known for its distinctive shell structure and ribbing pattern. The whorls are moderately compressed, with ribs that are relatively widely spaced compared to some other Quenstedtoceras species, hence the name paucicosta meaning “few-ribbed.” This feature provides a striking aesthetic while also offering important taxonomic markers used by palaeontologists.
The ribs tend to bifurcate from the umbilical edge and extend strongly across the flanks towards the outer whorl, producing a sculptured surface. The suture lines are intricately patterned, reflecting the complex internal septal arrangement of the ammonite shell. These morphological features not only enhance its visual appeal but also provide insights into the evolutionary adaptations of ammonites within the Cardioceratidae family.
Palaeontological Importance
As a member of the genus Quenstedtoceras, this species is a key marker fossil for the Upper Callovian biozones. Its relatively narrow stratigraphic distribution makes it highly valuable in refining Jurassic chronostratigraphy. Ammonites like Q. paucicosta played an important role in the marine ecosystems of their time, acting as both predators and prey within the food chain. Their abundance and diversity illustrate the thriving biodiversity of Jurassic seas and highlight their dominance as cephalopods during this geological interval.
Depositional Environment
The Weymouth area during the Callovian was covered by warm, shallow seas, where fine-grained sediments slowly accumulated, burying ammonite shells soon after death. These conditions, combined with limited oxygen in some depositional layers, greatly reduced decay and allowed shells to be preserved in remarkable condition. Alongside ammonites, these deposits also contain other marine fossils such as belemnites, bivalves, and marine reptile remains, painting a vivid picture of a vibrant marine ecosystem.
Collectability and Display Value
This Quenstedtoceras paucicosta fossil ammonite from Weymouth is both a scientifically important specimen and a beautiful collector’s piece. Its rarity, detailed ribbing, and historical provenance make it highly sought after by fossil enthusiasts, palaeontologists, and collectors of natural history. The fossil is ideal for educational use, display in a private collection, or as a unique gift that connects directly with the deep history of the Jurassic seas.
- Type: Fossil Ammonite – Quenstedtoceras paucicosta
- Age: Upper Callovian, Jurassic (~164–161 million years ago)
- Origin: Weymouth, Dorset, United Kingdom
- Scale: Rule squares/cube = 1 cm (please see photographs for exact sizing)
- Authenticity: 100% genuine specimen with Certificate of Authenticity
- Guarantee: The specimen shown in the photographs is the exact fossil you will receive
An exceptional ammonite specimen, this fossil captures the enduring legacy of the Jurassic seas and offers a rare opportunity to own a piece of Dorset’s remarkable geological heritage.
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